Chapter 04: Staring

Chapter 04: Staring

Jasmine Reign's POV

I chuckled softly at the two of them. They really were cute in their own annoying way. Protective, dramatic, and way too invested in my nonexistent love life.

"Stop making bets about my future love life, Aby and Chris," I said, shaking my head.

They both looked at me, then exchanged smirks like they had just made a secret deal behind my back.

"I seriously cannot wait to see you fall in love," Aby teased, resting her chin on her palm.

"And please don’t fall in love, Reign," Chris added quickly. "I do not want to lose this bet."

Crazy. Absolutely crazy.

"We can’t really control what kind of life we’ll have in the future," I said after a moment, my voice softer than before. "If I ever fall in love… I just hope I’ll be happy. And that he won’t hurt me."

As soon as those words left my mouth, the classroom door opened. Perfect timing.

Our professor walked in, and the room immediately fell silent.

"Good morning," Mr. Landers greeted firmly.

"Good morning, Mr. Landers!" the class replied in unison.

This was my first time being under his class. He taught Chemistry, and based on what I heard from other students, he was strict, terrifying, and absolutely hated latecomers. Luckily for us, we arrived early.

Mr. Landers placed his books on the table and adjusted his glasses.

"Before we start, we will check attendance. Whoever is not present today should not bother coming again. Say ‘present’ when I call your surname."

Well, that sounded encouraging.

He began calling names one by one.

"Abedin?"

"Present!"

"Alana?"

"Present, sir!"

"Bellona?"

"Present."

I stopped listening and waited for my surname. My eyes wandered around the room instead. The class was huge, nearly a hundred students. And I knew most of them were not here for Chemistry.

They were here for them.

Sadly for those students, I was pretty sure the three devils would not bother showing up.

"Campbell?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but before I could speak, the classroom door suddenly swung open.

And there they were.

Draven Green. Ryder Sanford. Rocco Miller.

They walked in like they owned the place, completely ignoring the fact that class was already in session. No apology. No hesitation. Just arrogance radiating off them.

Mr. Landers turned slowly, his expression darkening.

The girls in the room immediately started whispering, giggling, and making unnecessary noises. It was loud. Too loud. My head already hurt.

"Care to explain why the three of you are late?" Mr. Landers asked sharply.

They continued walking, completely ignoring him.

Wow. The disrespect.

"Mr. Green. Mr. Miller. Mr. Sanford!" Mr. Landers warned angrily.

That finally made them stop.

Draven turned, his eyes cold and dangerous. "Did you just warn us?" he asked, his voice low and venomous.

Oh no. This is bad.

Mr. Landers walked toward them and stopped right in front of Draven. "I did, Mr. Green."

My heart skipped a beat. Sir, please stop while you still can.

"Do you know the consequences of your actions?" Ryder asked seriously.

"I’m completely aware," Mr. Landers replied.

I rubbed my forehead, still watching the scene unfold. This felt like a power struggle, and we were all stuck in the middle of it. I respected Mr. Landers for standing his ground, truly. He had principles and pride. But this was Draven Green.

They do not like being challenged.

The three of them smirked.

That was bad. Really bad.

Aby tapped my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"What do you think will happen to Mr. Landers?" she whispered.

I shrugged. "I don’t know. Lose his job? Get humiliated?"

"Both," Chris whispered back.

We looked at him.

"How are you so sure?" Aby asked.

"Look at their faces," Chris said. "That smirk means they’re already planning something."

He was right. I looked again. And suddenly, I felt uneasy.

"Very well then," Rocco said casually, tapping Mr. Landers on the shoulder. "You should also be aware of what we can do."

After that, they walked to the back of the room and took their seats like nothing happened.

Mr. Landers stood frozen for a few seconds before turning back to his desk. His face was calm, but his eyes betrayed him. He was scared.

"Campbell?" he called again.

So much for his threat about latecomers.

I felt Chris elbow me gently.

"What?" I mouthed.

He pointed at me and silently repeated, Campbell.

Oh shoot.

"Sorry. Present, sir," I said quickly, raising my hand.

Mr. Landers stared at me for a moment before nodding. That look said everything. Pay attention next time.

Great. First impression ruined.

He continued calling surnames.

"What were you thinking earlier?" Chris whispered.

"Nothing. I just spaced out," I replied. A lie.

"I’m not convinced," he said. "You were thinking about them."

"No," I answered plainly.

"You’re lying!" he suddenly exclaimed.

Too loud.

Way too loud.

The entire class turned to us. Even Mr. Landers.

Aby and I glared at Chris. Why would he shout?

"Mr. Davis," Mr. Landers said sternly. "Is there a problem?"

Chris froze. "N-no, sir. Sorry for the interruption."

Mr. Landers looked unconvinced. Then his gaze shifted to me.

"Miss Campbell."

Why me?

"Yes, Mr. Landers?" I asked.

"What was Mr. Davis saying to you?"

My eyes widened slightly. Why am I being dragged into this?

"Nothing, sir," I said calmly. "He’s just being dramatic."

Chris narrowed his eyes at me. I smirked.

"Very well. Do not cause unnecessary noise again," Mr. Landers said.

We both nodded.

I turned to Chris and mouthed, Your fault.

He flashed a peace sign.

"Oh my gosh," Aby whispered suddenly.

Chris and I looked at her. "What?"

"They’re staring at us."

"Who?"

She lifted a small mirror she had in her bag. Why she had a mirror during class, I had no idea.

Chris leaned in, grinning. Aby looked thrilled.

I stared at the reflection.

And there they were.

Draven. Ryder. Rocco.

Looking straight at us.

Why?